MARGAO: Fish vendors and visitors to the SGPDA retail market in Margao have voiced their grievances regarding waterlogging issues and other concerns within the market premises.
Within the fish cutters and cleaners shed, several rectangular pits, assumed to be used as planters during the retail market’s beautification project, have filled with rainwater from the roof and the waterlogged road. The poorly designed pits now pose a dangerous obstacle for customers and fish vendors.
To make matters worse, the pits are now full of mosquito larvae, raising concerns about dengue and other vector borne diseases. A few metres away, fish and ice crates- some spilling with fish guts and waste- are left in the rain, collecting water and spilling their rotting contents onto the pavement. Water stagnates on either side of the street, forcing customers to wade through filth to get their fish cut. To avoid this predicament, several customers were seen parking on both sides of the lane, and waiting in their vehicles, unwilling to move until their fish was cleaned and returned.
This caused major traffic chaos, and fights amongst drivers, as vehicles were unable to enter the narrow lane.
When contacted, SGPDA Chairman, Krishna Daji Salkar, assured that instructions have been given to clear the drains and added that he has planned a meeting with the retail vendors to address their grievances.
Salkar also emphasized that major renovation and repair works can be carried out, but the retail vendors must agree to an increase in the current sopo fees they pay.
